Raise a Glass to Fall and Winter Group Getaways
As the temperatures continue to cool and the leaves continue towards their vibrant transformation, there is no better time to gather with your colleagues, friends, and family for a gathering in Bluemont, Virginia. A memorable group getaway is the perfect way to celebrate the change of the seasons and offer a reason to get out and explore the Virginia countryside.
Are you looking for a reason to throw up that ‘out of office’ message and enjoy some ‘out of the box’ experiences with your co-workers?
Whether it’s the need for team bonding, a reward for hitting a recent professional milestone as a group, building hype towards a new launch or maybe it’s just time for a good ol’ fashioned ‘disconnect’ – our location creates the perfect backdrop and setting for your next festive fall fête or wine country winter escape.
The village of Bluemont is nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque wine country.
Here are our top 5 reasons to plan your next large group outing with us.
We promise to raise a glass and that you’ll raise the bar when planning with these adventurous amenities.
Fall Foliage & Winter Scenery
Fall in Loudoun County is a feast for the eyes, truly. Rolling hills covered in hues of red, orange, and gold await you if you time it just right. When it comes to hosting with us, you’ve got venue options. Great Country Farms invites you to experience life on the farm and soak up views throughout our 15-acre play area or visit Henway Hard Cider to enjoy views around the pond or by the bonfire. Our 951 Tasting Room and our sister property, Dirt Farm Brewing’s hilltop locations are situated perfectly to soak up sweeping panoramic views of the Loudoun Valley, making both locations ideal for those seeking the ultimate autumn scenery. No need for crazy decor – nature’s got your back on this one!
After Fall, we welcome the iconic Lighting of the Vines celebration to the mountain. A true spectacle to see, our entire vineyard estate is draped with holiday lights. A tradition we’ve grown to adore has quickly become a sought-after backdrop for holiday parties, family gatherings, and even holiday weddings.
2. Cozy Indoor Spaces
As the weather gets cooler, our tasting rooms feature a variety of private group spaces, each unique in their own and offering warmth and comfort to your special soiree. You’ve got options depending on your group size, the style of the event, and preferred amenities.
The 951 Tasting Room sits amongst the lush vineyards of our estate. Rustic charm meets modern chic when exploring this family-friendly location. The Harvest Room and Loft spaces offer groups the opportunity to have a private space to enjoy their celebrations.
The Reserve Tasting Room offers expansive views of the valley and boasts a more elegant atmosphere. This 21+ space offers an intimate private space to enjoy the best estate wines and culinary pairings.
The Stable is our charming converted barn which features original equine elements and chic enhancements designed to compliment endless celebrations. Though there is no shortage of fall weddings, this space is large and features an open floor plan that can easily be customized to celebrate any occasion.
3. Out-of-the-Box Experiences
Great Country Farms
Our family farm can accommodate your group without those pesky extra costs of renting a venue.
What can your group do at Great Country Farms, you ask?
Take a wagon ride out to the orchards for fresh seasonal picking! September offers apple picking from our orchards, robust with varieties. October is all things pumpkin! Head out to the patch and see who can harvest the biggest or smallest pumpkin or maybe host a good old-fashioned pumpkin carving contest!
Experience a group scavenger hunt or tackle the corn maze. Both bring out your inner child, plus you could opt to get competitive by splitting into groups and letting the best team win! This experience is great for team building and exploring the Farm and all it has to offer! Warning .. there may be confusion and you may get lost, but that’s all in the fun of it.
We don’t recommend business clothing for these outings, come in your cozy fall sweaters and layers!
The 951 Tasting Room & Reserve
Vineyard & Production Tour + Tasting
Explore our picturesque estate and winery to learn about our unique mountainside terroir, sustainable farming practices, and the meticulous process of grape cultivation and winemaking. Fascinating stories and tasting notes await that will deepen your understanding and appreciation for our handcrafted wines. The tour concludes with a guided wine tasting, featuring six of our estate wines.
Guided Wine Tastings or Wine Flights
A journey beyond the glass, designed to educate, entertain, and elevate your special event. Explore a thoughtfully curated lineup of wines presented by our knowledgeable team or opt for a casual self-guided flight if your event is more mix and mingle. We can host your party at one large table or throughout your space at smaller tables, or you could opt to make it interactive with stations, giving the guests opportunities to move around your event space.
DIY Sangria Mixology
Mix up your mingle, literally. Sure, you can have a traditional wine tasting but why not do a little blending of your own? Stir up your traditional event or corporate meeting and break into teams to mix, craft, and blend your own custom wine sangria. This not only invites some friendly competition into the room but also gives guests an opportunity to mingle and work together to create their own perfect blend. Of course, you’ll raise a glass and enjoy the fruits of your labor after. Whether your glass is half full or empty, this is team building we can get behind.
4.Culinary Delights
Wine & Food Pairings at The Reserve
When it comes to wine, we think it’s best paired with something just as exquisite.
Leave the crowds behind and open yourself to the mountainside where bucket-list-worthy wine tastings and views await you. The Fall features our iconic Harvest Progression Tasting & Small Bites Pairing, designed to let you sip your way through the progression of an actual harvest season on the mountain. Each wine has been thoughtfully paired with bites to highlight the flavors of the season and the wines.
If you’re looking for festive fun for the holiday season that involves baked cookies and libations, then the Holiday Cookie & Wine Pairing is for you. Featuring recipes from the Zurschmeide Family, this is a tradition that’s been passed down for many years and welcomes you to experience the nostalgia. Your guests will fa-la-la-la-love it and there’s no doubt you’ll be recognized as the most trendy and fun host with the most.
Wine Dinner
What's not to love about a wine and dine? Let us set the farm tables for you and your guests to enjoy a cozy private dining experience. Featuring a fusion of seasonal flavors and locally sourced ingredients, this four-course dinner is a rustic yet elegant way to enjoy your evening celebration. With menus like our Harvest Wine Dinner, each course has been thoughtfully paired with wines from our Signature Series. Sip like a local and savor like a local, enjoying the best from our culinary team.
5. Customizable Group Packages
I hope you didn’t think we wouldn’t pack a punch on our offerings. The reality is, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Whether you’ve got an idea in mind of your ideal outing or want help curating something special, we offer a variety of packages and itineraries to suit you and your special celebration needs.
While this is just 5 reasons to consider Bluemont, we could go on forever. There’s one thing we love more than wine, and that’s the memories that come along with gathering at our family farm and vineyard. As the seasons change, let’s come together for laughter, create memories that warm your heart, and of course, enjoy exceptional wine.
The only question we have for you….
How many guests would you like to entertain? Let us know here.